Job Title:  FORENSIC SPECIALIST 1

Position Description

Southern Nevada Mental Health Services (SNAMHS) is hiring Forensic Specialists at the Stein Forensic Hospital location. This facility provides inpatient, competency restoration, for persons with alleged criminal charges. All persons committed and ordered by the courts are to remain in Forensic custody in a secure facility.

Forensic Specialists perform a combination of security and client care duties in a secure mental health facility for treatment/evaluation of the mentally and/or medically ill offender and/or offenders whose competency requires evaluation. Under close supervision of professional staff or higher-level Forensic Specialists, incumbents receive training in performing duties described in the series concept.  Work is close reviewed to ensure compliance with security standards of care.

The Forensic Specialist will perform law enforcement duties, which include transportation, community outings, community housing inspections, legal processes, and investigations. Forensic Specialists will also perform health care duties that include ambulation and supervision of basic activities of daily living.

A Forensic Specialist is a hybrid position, serving as a Certified Category III, Peace Officer, and a Certified Mental Health Professional. This exciting position offers incumbents the opportunity to serve the community in the Health Care and Law Enforcement setting, providing clinical support and maintaining safety and security in a secure facility.

The incumbents will work in a training capacity for the first 12 months, completing a Peace Officer Academy, with a Category III certification, and beginning the Mental Health Certification Courses. They will serve as support for Forensic Specialist II and Forensic Specialist III’s with daily operational needs.

Forensic Specialist series, and auto progression to Forensic II and III will automatically occur with the recommendation of the appointed authority when minimum qualifications are met, and the incumbent is performing satisfactorily.

To see full Class Specifications visit: http://hr.nv.gov/Resources/ClassSpecs/Class_Specifications-13_0/

Vaccination Requirement

Per NAC 441A, this position has been identified as a position that must enter an institution for vulnerable populations. Department of Health and Human Services new hires, who must enter an institution for vulnerable populations within the normal scope of their employment who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 must receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to the hire’s start date.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of general work experience, one year which was in a mental health, medical, correctional, law enforcement or related setting; OR one year of college coursework which included courses in health, behavioral science or criminal justice and one year of general work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

The Examination

Application Evaluation Exam

• The exam will consist of an application and resume evaluation. It is essential that applications/resumes include detailed information with time frames regarding education and experience. The most qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for interview. The hiring agency may require specific skills related testing as part of the interviewing process.

Special Requirements